StrongLifts 5x5 - question about recovery

FullOfWin

I didn't know Stronglifts was a 12 week program

DavPul

I can't speak for anyone else, but I didn't read all of the the OP's post, so I'm clearly in the wrong here. I was agreeing with the statement that SS and SL are beginner's programs. Total goof by me.

Oh. And I hope I didn't come off as "YOU ARE ALL WRONG" or something. I was seriously quite interested because I am actively trying to get into lifting weights. I definitely don't want to get something crucial wrong to begin with he he.

You didn't come off that way at all. You and FoW both pointed out my mistake in a way that I could see it. I stand by the statement, but it definitely doesn't apply to the OP's question. Can't win all the time. I was more thinking about some people on here that seem to be doing SS or SL for like 30 weeks, but that's not what's going on here.

newmooon56

Hey all - thank you so much for the great advice.
To answer a few questions- I eat well, I believe- been logging for months- but yes, I have stopped that - played out- and I think I "get it" now. I eat at least 120 grams of protein a day - sometimes a lil more. I do eat "good" carbs- sweet potatoes, quinoa, whole grains, etc.

I drink a TON of water - and drink whey protein mixed with almond milk almost daily- but def. on lifting days after the lifts.

I want to continue to add weights- I see no reason why I cant- except - it got harder to recover.

I DID take out HIIT - I figured that would need to go eventually- and it is gone. I warm up with a 5 min. walk, some dynamic stretching and of course warm up sets with bar only.

And yes- I am 40- not totally new to weight training- but totally new to the whole "lift heavy" thing. I LOVE IT- and cant wait to break some personal records.

I do listen to my body- and thats why my last workout was Tuesday. Im not in a race with anyone or myself- and I think slowing the program down might be right for me. In other words- take 3 or 4 days to recover on the tough days. Maybe remove squats from 1 workout a week so they are only twice a week instead of 3x.

By the way Im not actually in a deficit these days- Im eating at TDEE - which Ive tooled with over and over and feel I have figured as close as I can with these online calculators, though I know its not perfect- but I have getting almost 1900 cals a day- every day.

I went from 152 - to 130 while doing a ton of cardio and some weights- now Im almost cardio free (maybe one day of a long walk/run) and otherwise - lifting 3x a week and feel GREAT. I do waitress 4 days a week- so thats a run run run type job and I included that fact when figuring TDEE.

Im not scared to eat more and gain a lil- I know I can get it off- but Im also not trying to be a body builder. I want to find the right balance that lets me continue feeling fab while working my way to higher weights. I know theres women who squat way more then their body weight and at 90#s I have a lot of room to grow with this. I love DL- and am proud to be able to do my body weight +5, yet know for sure next workout Im adding 10 and will do it.

Im still toying around -figuring what to do next- but will re-read these posts and cherry pick ideas out.

As always - you MFPers rock! I found SL 5x5 here and my motivation to lose the 20# and start working out like a beast.

THANK YOU !!

nexangelus

I didn't know Stronglifts was a 12 week program

Well, yeah it can be run several times in batches of 12 weeks I presume, but 12 weeks is the initial phase...from what I have read and understand, but as long as you are increasing weight and still lifting it, then it can be run for as long as, until you hit plateaux or stalls or whatever *shrug*